Imagine undergoing surgery at one of Harrisburg’s medical centers, only to discover weeks or even months later that a surgical instrument was accidentally left inside your body. This alarming scenario, unfortunately, happens more often than you might think, and it can cause severe physical, emotional, and financial harm. Suppose you find yourself in this situation in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. In that case, you have legal rights, and the Harrisburg medical malpractice attorneys at Marzella & Associates are here to help you navigate them.
Understanding Surgical Instrument Retention
Leaving surgical instruments inside a patient’s body is a form of medical malpractice. These incidents, known medically as “retained surgical items” (RSIs), may involve sponges, forceps, clamps, or other tools. RSIs can lead to severe complications, such as infections, internal bleeding, organ damage, and chronic pain. In some cases, these injuries may not become apparent until long after the surgery, causing ongoing health issues and requiring additional procedures.
Harrisburg residents might be particularly concerned, given the nearby large hospitals and surgical centers such as UPMC Harrisburg and Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. Even though these institutions provide high-quality care, surgical mistakes can occur in any medical facility. When they do, patients deserve justice.
Legal Rights for Victims in Harrisburg
If a surgical instrument has been left inside your body, you may have grounds to file a medical malpractice lawsuit against the responsible surgeon, hospital, or medical team. Pennsylvania law holds healthcare providers to a standard of care, and leaving a foreign object inside a patient’s body is a clear breach of this standard. The injured patient would need to prove:
- The healthcare provider owed a duty of care
- A provider breached this duty by leaving the instrument inside
- The breach directly caused injury or harm
- A patient suffered measurable damages (such as additional medical bills, lost income, or pain and suffering)
At Marzella & Associates, our medical malpractice attorneys in Harrisburg, PA, help gather the necessary evidence, such as medical records, surgical reports, and expert testimony, to build a convincing case on your behalf.
How Long Do You Have to File a Lawsuit in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania’s statute of limitations for medical malpractice cases is generally two years from when the injury was discovered or reasonably should have been discovered. There is a seven-year limit from the date of the negligent act, regardless of discovery (with few exceptions).
If a surgical instrument was left inside your body during a procedure at a Harrisburg hospital, it is essential to take prompt action to protect your legal rights. Delays can prevent you from recovering compensation, even if the harm is clear.
Compensation You Can Recover
A successful malpractice claim can help you recover compensation for:
- Medical expenses, including costs for corrective surgery and ongoing treatment
- Lost wages or reduced earning capacity if you have been unable to work
- Pain and suffering, including both physical pain and emotional distress
- Occasionally, punitive damages are awarded to punish severe negligence
Marzella & Associates will carefully assess your case to determine the types and amounts of damages you may be entitled to under Pennsylvania law.
Why Choose Marzella & Associates for Your Harrisburg Case?
Our firm has a strong connection to the Harrisburg community and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by victims of medical negligence. We are committed to providing personalized, compassionate representation to every client. With experience handling complex medical malpractice cases, our Harrisburg medical malpractice lawyers know how to stand up to large hospitals and insurance companies to secure the justice and compensation our clients deserve.
Contact a Harrisburg Medical Malpractice Attorney Today
If you think a surgical instrument was accidentally left in your body after a procedure in Harrisburg, seek legal advice immediately. Pennsylvania law sets strict deadlines for filing claims, and prompt action can be critical for a successful outcome.
Call 717-876-8681 today or connect with us online to schedule a free consultation. Let our medical malpractice attorneys in Harrisburg, PA, fight for the justice you deserve.